*Please contact the Office of Admissions at (406) 994-2452 or admissions@montana.edu with any undergraduate admissions inquiries.
Undergraduate students are first-time college students, or those who have attempted college-level credits during high school, or have attempted college-level credits after graduating high school, and have not been awarded a bachelor’s degree. In addition, students who have already received a bachelor's degree and are returning to school for another bachelor's degree (post-baccalaureate) are also considered undergraduate students.
Applications for admission to undergraduate programs are processed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The requirements for admission are described in the sections that follow.
Applications are accepted from resident, non-resident, and international students. Eligible undergraduate students may attend full-time or part-time. Montana State University retains the right to establish requirements which will ensure successful scholastic performance.
Applicants are responsible for submitting applications and all other required credentials necessary for admission, financial aid, and housing; must provide verification of immunizations, complete a tuberculosis screening form, and register for a New Student Orientation session. Applicants should be aware of the following:
Applicants are encouraged to apply at least six to eight months prior to the first semester of attendance. Early application will allow adequate time for the student to request any academic credentials needed to complete the application file, make housing arrangements, process financial aid materials, and participate in a New Student Orientation session.
Applications should be on file in the Office of Admissions according to the following recommended dates:
Applicants will be notified as soon as possible after all credentials necessary to determine a student's admission status have been received by the Office of Admissions.
To defer or update an application within a year from the original application term, contact the Office of Admissions via email or by calling 406-994-2452 or toll-free at 1-888-MSU-CATS.
Several application options are available to students interested in applying for undergraduate admission to MSU-Bozeman.
For assistance with any of the applications, please contact the Office of Admissions by email or by calling 406-994-2452. International students may contact the Office of International Programs by email or by calling 406-004-4031. For information on applying to graduate programs, please visit The Graduate School's website.
A personal visit to the MSU campus will provide an opportunity to meet faculty, staff and students, and to explore campus life. Because selecting a college is such an important decision, families are welcome and encouraged to participate. As part of a campus visit, the Admissions staff can schedule any or all of the following for you: a campus tour, a residence hall information session, an appointment with an MSU Admissions Counselor, an academic department meeting, a student support service, and a classroom visit (during the school year).
To schedule a visit, please call or complete the registration form at least two weeks in advance. Please contact the Campus Visit Coordinators in the Office of Admissions via email or by calling 406-994-2452 or toll free at 1-888-MSU-CATS. "Drop-in" visits are also welcome.
MSU Friday, a comprehensive free campus preview day held five times a year, gives prospective students and their families a chance to meet with faculty and students, explore academic facilities, tour the campus, and investigate possibilities and scholarships. It’s a great time to explore MSU! For more details and information about how to register, go to the MSU Friday website.
All new students are required to attend New Student Orientation in order to register for classes. Four Summer Orientation program sessions are offered to new freshman and transfer students who enter in the fall semester. Additional Orientation sessions for freshman, transfer, veteran, non-traditional and international students are offered prior to each semester.
At Orientation, students receive assistance with course selection, course registration, and become familiar with the location and use of campus facilities and services. New Student Orientation also highlights MSU's academic assistance and other special services, as well as recreational and social programs. New Student Orientation assists all new students in their transition to MSU and increases students' chances for academic success. For family members, there is a concurrent Parent & Family Orientation available each session.
For more information or to register, contact the Orientation Office at 406-994-2827 or visit the Orientation website. International students should contact the Office of International Programs via email or by calling +1-406-994-4031.
Freshman students are those who have completed high school or its equivalent. Students who have attempted fewer than 12 quarter or semester college-level credits at another institutionally recognized accredited college or university after high school graduation are considered incoming freshmen. Students who have earned any college-level course credit, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credits before graduating from high school are also considered incoming freshmen.
The following categories of students are exempt from the admissions requirements above:
In order to begin a University Academic Plan at Montana State University, students must demonstrate readiness in areas of mathematics and writing.
Demonstration of Math Proficiency:
1. A score of 22+ on ACT mathematics; or
2. A score of 27.5+ on SAT mathematics test; or
3. A score of 3+ on the AP calculus AB or BC subject examination or a a score of 4+ on the IB calculus test; or
4. A score of 50+ on the CLEP subject examinations in selected topics (college algebra, college algebra-trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, or trigonometry); or
5. Completion of a rigorous high school core including 4 years of mathematics in high school (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry & a course beyond Algebra II) and 3 years of laboratory science; or 3 years of
mathematics including a course beyond Algebra II and four years of laboratory science, in addition to English, social studies, and electives as described in the College Preparatory Curriculum, with grades
of C or better in all courses; or
6. A cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher; or
7. A cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher AND an course grade of C or better in Algebra II (or the sequential content equivalent) .
Demonstration of Writing Proficiency:
1. A score of 7+ on the writing test or 18+ on the ELA (weighted composite based on the English, reading, and writing scores) of the optional writing test of the ACT; or
2. A score of 25+ on the writing and language test of the SAT; or
3. A score of 3+ on the AP English language or English literature examination; or
4. A score of 4+ on the IB language A1 exam; or
5. A score of 50+ on the (CLEP) subject examinations in composition; or
6. A cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher; or
7. A cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher AND a course grade of C or better in an 11th grade English Course.
If a student does not demonstrate full readiness prior to his/her New Student Orientation, students will register during Orientation for the appropriate courses needed to move forward in his/her degree path.
Students who do not meet the freshman admission requirements (listed above) are still encouraged to apply for admission and submit the necessary credentials. MSU is allowed a number of exemptions to the stated requirements and will examine each student’s credentials on an individual basis for admissibility. Some students who do not meet the requirements may be admitted as Pre-University Studies students. Pre-University Studies students are subject to the same standards and Final High School Transcript or Equivalencies as mentioned in Application Procedures. Pre-University Studies students may be classified as full-time MSU students during their first semester by taking 12-14 credits of combined MSU courses and courses offered through Gallatin College MSU. Of these credits, students may register for a maximum of 7 MSU credits. In addition, with a combined total of 12 credits or more, students will be considered full-time students for financial aid purposes. Once a Pre-University Studies student has earned 7 MSU credits with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0, they will become a full-time MSU student.
Receipt of the following credentials in the Office of Admissions constitutes a complete application for admission. Requests to have final credentials sent to MSU must be initiated by the applicant. Requests should be made by contacting the high school, the Registrar’s Office at the college/university, or agency. Credentials must be sent directly from the school/agency to the Office of Admissions. Credentials that have been opened, are faxed, emailed or are in an unsealed envelope are considered unofficial copies and will not be accepted as official documents.
Application materials and fees will be retained for one year from the original application term. To apply for a semester other than the one originally intended, notify the Office of Admissions as soon as possible.
Be sure to submit the following items (if applicable):
Students interested in appealing the admission decision should refer to the "Appeal of Admission Decisions" section.
A transfer student has graduated from high school or its equivalent and attempted 12 or more quarter or semester credits of college-level courses at an institutionally recognized accredited institution after high school graduation. Students who have previously been awarded a baccalaureate degree who wish to apply as a Second Bachelor’s Degree student (Post-Baccalaureate) are also considered transfer students. College-level work is defined as those courses that are applicable towards at least an associate degree. It does not include remedial or developmental courses.
Students who previously attended Montana State University and who are returning after attending another institution should refer to the Former MSU Students section.
Applicants will be considered for admission based on transferable credits from all institutionally recognized accredited colleges or universities previously attended. As determined by the Office of Admissions, a 2.0 (or C average) cumulative transferable GPA (on a 4.0 scale) is required in order to be accepted for admission in good academic standing.
Students who do not meet the 2.0 cumulative transferable GPA are still encouraged to apply for admission and submit the necessary credentials. Montana State University will examine each student’s credentials on an individual case for admissibility. Some students who do not meet the 2.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) may still be admitted dependent upon their standing at previous institutions.
Transfer students start with a new GPA upon enrolling at MSU.
Receipt of the following credentials in the Office of Admissions constitutes a complete application for admission. Requests to have final credentials sent to MSU must be initiated by the applicant. Requests should be made by contacting the Registrar’s Office at the college/university previously attended. Credentials must be sent directly from each institution or agency to the Office of Admissions. Credentials that have been opened, are faxed, emailed, or are in an unsealed envelope are considered unofficial working copies and will not be accepted as official documents.
Application materials and fees will be retained for one year from the original application term. To apply for a semester other than the one originally intended, notify the Office of Admissions as soon as possible.
Be sure to submit the following items (if applicable):
Transfer students follow the Undergraduate Catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment at MSU. Transfer students from community colleges and four year colleges in Montana may elect to follow the MSU catalog that was in effect when they began their freshman year.
Students who have earned an undergraduate bachelor's degree and who would like to pursue another undergraduate bachelor's degree are also considered transfer students.
Students who have earned an undergraduate bachelor's degree and who are seeking non-degree status should apply as a non-degree seeking student:
Non-degree seeking students must choose the one level that best meets their needs as a student.
Students who previously attended Montana State University and who are returning after a break in attendance or after attending another institution should refer to the Former MSU Students section.
Applicants will be considered for admission based on transferable credits from all institutionally recognized accredited colleges or universities previously attended. As determined by the Office of Admissions, a 2.0 (or C average) cumulative transferable GPA (on a 4.0 scale) is required in order to be accepted for admission in good academic standing.
Students who do not meet the 2.0 cumulative transferable GPA are still encouraged to apply for admission and submit the necessary credentials. Montana State University will examine each student’s credentials on an individual case for admissibility. Some students who do not meet the 2.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) may still be admitted dependent upon their standing at previous institutions.
Transfer students start with a new GPA upon enrolling at MSU.
Receipt of the following credentials in the Office of Admissions constitutes a complete application for admission. Requests to have final credentials sent to MSU must be initiated by the applicant. Requests should be made by contacting the Registrar’s Office at the college/university previously attended. Credentials must be sent directly from each institution or agency to the Office of Admissions. Credentials that have been opened, emailed, or are in an unsealed envelope are considered unofficial working copies and will not be accepted as official documents.
Application materials and fees will be retained for one year from the original application term. To apply for a semester other than the one originally intended, notify the Office of Admissions as soon as possible.
Be sure to submit the following items (if applicable):
Transfer credit of Second-Degree students is not evaluated on a course-by-course basis through the Admissions Office; total credits earned are posted to their student record. Second-Degree students should make an appointment with their departmental advisor to prepare an academic plan for their second bachelor's degree; students should bring copies of their college transcripts to their appointment.
Second Degree students follow the Undergraduate Catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment at MSU.
(Freshman and Transfer students)
Requests to have final credentials sent to MSU must be initiated by the applicant. Requests should be made by contacting the Registrar’s Office at the college, university or agency previously attended. Credentials must be sent directly from each institutionally recognized accredited college or university attended to the Office of Admissions. If the college or university participates in secure electronic transmission of official transcripts, the transcripts should be sent to: MSUadmissionstranscript@sympa.montana.edu. Credentials that have been opened, emailed, or are in an unsealed envelope are considered unofficial copies and will not be accepted as official documents. To see how courses may transfer, please visit our Transfer Course Equivalencies website. If a course or institution is not listed, it does not necessarily mean the course will not transfer; rather the information is not yet in our database.
Students who wish to appeal a decision regarding acceptance of transfer credit should address their concern to the Graduation and Admissions Requirements Committee (GARC). Students who wish to appeal the assignment of transfer credit to the University Core requirements should address their concern to the Core Equivalency Review Committee (CERC).
Students from countries other than the United States are welcome to apply to Montana State University as International freshman or International transfer students. Those who have attempted secondary school are considered freshmen; those who have completed university-level coursework equivalent to 12 credits or more (a semester of study) beyond secondary school are considered transfer students.
Freshmen will be considered for admission on the basis of their secondary school record and their English proficiency. Applicants who can prove their English language proficiency and have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5/4.0 on a U.S. scale will qualify for admission.
Transfer students will be considered on the basis of their post-secondary education record and their English proficiency. Applicants who can prove their English proficiency and have a minimum cumulative transferable grade-point average of a 2.0/4.0 on a U.S. scale will qualify for admission.
All application materials must bear the official school seal and signature, and be sent directly from the institution or agency to the Office of International Programs. Unofficial copies can be accepted for admission purposes. Students who are admitted are required to provide official transcripts and test scores. To provide time for evaluation and for notice of acceptance to reach the applicant in a timely manner, the application and required credentials must be received by the Office of International Programs according to the following dates.
In conjunction with the Registrar, the Office of International Programs determines the appropriate grading and credit conversions. These evaluations are done in accordance with national norms articulated by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO). Montana State University follows these norms for all international transfer credit conversions, including but not limited to the European Credit Transfer System. Requests for exception to this practice must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Provost and include supporting documentation (credits for MSU students studying abroad need to be approved prior to departure through the course approval process). The Offices of Admissions and Registrar further determine applicability of international coursework toward the MSU CORE 2.0 requirements. Academic units determine if and how courses apply to specific program (i.e. major, minor, certificate) requirements.
Receipt of the following credentials in the Office of International Programs constitutes a complete application for admission. Please review the International Admissions website for more information.
The Office of International Programs will issue the Form I-20 or DS-2019 (necessary for obtaining F-1 or J-1 visas) to international applicants who are accepted for admission. In order to create an I-20 or DS-2019, applicants need to send a copy of a bank statement and a signed, completed financial certificate.
Students must submit completed immunization records and a tuberculosis screening form to University Health Partners. To access these forms, click on "Medical Services"; then "Forms". Completed forms may be submitted by fax, email or by mail to University Health Partners, Montana State University, PO Box 173260, Bozeman, MT 59717-3260. Students must submit proof of required immunizations and a tuberculosis screening form prior to registration of classes. Questions should be referred to University Health Partners.
Application materials and fees will be retained for one year from the original applied term. To defer admission to a later semester, the Office of International Programs must be notified well in advance of the intended semester of entry.
Students interested in taking a limited number of courses at MSU without pursuing a degree may apply for non-degree-seeking status by submitting the following.
The Office of International Programs will issue the Form I-20 or DS-2019 (necessary for obtaining F-1 or J-1 visas) to international applicants who are accepted for admission. In order to create an I-20 or DS-2019, applicants need to send a copy of a bank statement and a signed, completed financial certificate.
Students must submit completed immunization records and a tuberculosis screening form to University Health Partners. To access these forms, click on "Medical Services"; then "Forms". Completed forms may be submitted by fax, email or by mail to University Health Partners, Montana State University, PO Box 173260, Bozeman, MT 59717-3260. Students must submit proof of required immunizations and a tuberculosis screening form prior to registration of classes. Questions should be referred to University Health Partners.
Application materials and fees will be retained for one year from the original applied term. To defer admission to a later semester, the Office of International Programs must be notified well in advance of the intended semester of entry.
Freshman students (First time Undergraduates) will be considered for admission on the basis of their secondary school record, English proficiency and ACT/SAT test scores. Applicants who have a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of a 2.5/4.0 on a U.S. scale, or have an ACT score of 22, or have an SAT score of 1540 (prior to March 2016) or SAT Total Score of 1120 (after March 2016) will qualify for admission.
Transfer students will be considered on the basis of their post-secondary education record and English proficiency. A minimum cumulative transferable grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0/4.0 on a U.S. scale will qualify for admission.
All application materials must bear the official school seal and signature and be sent directly from the institution or agency to the Office of International Programs. Transcripts and test scores received from students are unofficial and not acceptable. To provide time for evaluation and for notice of acceptance to reach the applicant in a timely manner, the application and required credentials must be received by the Office of International Programs according to the following dates.
Receipt of the following credentials in the Office of International Programs constitutes a complete application for admission. Requests to have final credentials sent to MSU must be initiated by the applicant. To apply for a semester other than the one originally intended, notify the Office of International Programs as soon as possible.
Receipt of the following credentials in the Office of International Programs constitutes a complete application for admission. Please review the International Admissions website for more information.
The Office of International Programs will issue the Form I-20 or DS-2019 to international applicants who are accepted for admission. In order to create an I-20 or DS-2019, applicants need to send a copy of a bank statement and a signed, completed financial certificate. Students will need to present this document to Customs and Border Patrol officers at their Port of Entry.
Students must submit completed immunization records and a tuberculosis screening form to University Health Partners. To access these form, click on "Medical Services"; then "Forms". Completed forms may be submitted by fax, email or by mail to University Health Partners, Montana State University, PO Box 173260, Bozeman, MT 59717-3260. Students must submit proof of required immunizations and a tuberculosis screening form prior to registration of classes. Questions should be referred to University Health Partners.
Application materials and fees will be retained for one year from the original applied term. To defer admission to a later semester, the Office of International Programs must be notified well in advance of the intended semester of entry.
Successful applicants will promptly be issued a letter of acceptance and a Form I-20 or DS-2019 necessary for obtaining an F-1 or J-1 visa. A packet of information regarding orientation, the registration process, immunizations and health records, and other important information will follow directly in a separate mailing.
Early Admission (concurrent high school/university attendance) allows local high-ability students who have not completed high school to take MSU courses on campus for university credit.
Receipt of the following credentials in the Office of Admissions constitutes a complete application for admission. All are required for consideration. Requests to have official credentials sent to MSU must be initiated by the applicant. Requests should be made by contacting the high school, the Registrar’s Office at the college/university or testing agency.
Dual enrollment is designed to provide Montana high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit through Gallatin College. Gallatin College MSU and local high schools work together to provide these opportunities to their students, as dual credit (high school and college credit simultaneously) or college credit only. Check with your high school counselor to see if your school offers dual enrollment with Gallatin College MSU.
Non-degree undergraduate students are those who wish to take college courses, but who are not interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree at Montana State University.
Receipt of the following constitutes a complete application for admission.
Students are considered former/returning students when they have attended MSU, but not during the immediately preceding term. The Intent to Register Form should be completed and returned to the Registrar’s Office a minimum of 30 days prior to the registration period for the term desired.
Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree at MSU, but are interested in taking additional work not applicable toward an advanced degree, should complete and file a Non-Degree Graduate Application with The Graduate School.
Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree at another institution since last attending MSU and are interested in pursuing another bachelor’s degree should file an Intent to Register form to declare a Second Bachelor’s Degree.
The following items are required of each former/returning student:
Returning international students must contact the Office of International Programs to determine if a new Form I-20 must be obtained to renew a student visa.
For questions or to request the Intent to Register Form, contact the Office of the Registrar at 406-994-6650.
Applicants who wish to appeal the decision(s) made in the Office of Admissions relating to admission status, acceptance of transfer credit, granting of University Core designation, or Montana residency status are encouraged to contact the appropriate campus resource. Initial questions regarding admission decisions and transfer credit evaluations should be directed to the Office of Admissions. If an appeal is appropriate, information about the appeal process can be obtained from the Office of Admissions.
The Graduation and Admissions Requirements Committee (GARC) considers appeals and petitions from students seeking waivers of established admission and graduation requirements. For admission appeals, the Committee is composed of the Associate Provost (chairperson), the Registrar, the Director of Admissions, and the Assistant Dean of the College in which the student is enrolled.
The Core Equivalency Review Committee (CERC) considers appeals and petitions from students seeking re-evaluation of the assignment of transfer credit to meet University CORE requirements.
The Residency Committee considers requests from students seeking reconsideration of Montana residency status for fee purposes based upon the Montana Board of Regents Policy. All incoming students should contact the Office of Admissions regarding the reconsideration process and submission of required documentation. Continuing or returning students who wish to request reconsideration of the initial residency classification should contact the Registrar's Office and request a Student Guide to Montana's Residency Policy brochure.
Office of the RegistrarMontana State University